Bradley Petitclerc always knew that studying recreation and sport was the right choice.
Brad Petitclerc made his big move down to the South Island just in time before the whole country went into lockdown. The Bachelor of Recreation and Sport graduate was originally selected to be one of three EIT valedictorians delivering his speech on behalf of hundreds of fellow students at this year’s graduation. But all of this fell through.
Brad’s dad is originally from Montreal, Canada, hence the French family name. Brad was born in New Zealand – his mother comes from Oamaru – however, he spent quite some time of his childhood in Canada.
After he graduated from Karamu High School in 2016, Brad jumped straight into the degree programme. He was passionate about all sorts of sports, mostly cricket and hockey. “I guess I’m quite competitive and I love the gym, I’m all about strength and conditioning. I also did a lot of road cycling, mountain biking and I played soccer as a kid. Studying sports was a no brainer, really,” he says.
Brad also received a Year 13 Degree Scholarship which paid for his first year. During his second year his family moved down to Cromwell. “I had to find my own place and pay for rent. Time-management became a big issue, just juggling work and studies and social life,” says Brad.
Luckily Brad has another great talent which helped with paying the rent. He knows how to make really good coffee. “When I was 15 years old I started to work at Streetwise Coffee as barista, and I have been there ever since.” Asked about the secret of coffeemaking, he doesn’t have to think twice. “Consistency. And engaging with your customers. It undoubtedly challenges your public speaking skills.”
Engagement (and keeping himself well caffeinated) was the key to his education success. “Our study group was really tight. We did everything together and it was all about supporting each other.”
In March, Brad was announced winner of the Sport Hawke’s Bay Top Academic Award 2019. Sport Hawke’s Bay planned a little ceremony but due to the Covid-19 outbreak the event had to be cancelled.
At the moment Brad is self-isolating at his parent’s place in Cromwell. However, once the Covid-19 situation has stabilised, he wants to enter the sport and tourism industry. “I would love to have my own business, offering boot camp kind of training, as well as strength and conditioning, preferably outdoors. I will also start to play ice hockey like my Dad used to do. There is an ice rink in Alexandra so I’m really looking forward to getting into it.”